Snowboard bindings - what is better strap or step in?

Question

my son is 12 and will be talking lessons for the first time and has to have his own gear.

Answer 1

Traditional strap in bindings are way better.  

Step-ins suck.  That's why nobody makes them anymore.  

Only gapers say step-ins are better.

Answer 2

strap lets you move step in will be hard for a 12 yr old

Answer 3

I have both and prefer my step ins it is just easier dont have to ratchet them down every time you get off the lift. And by step in I mean flow bindings where just slide your foot in the back not the old fashion step-in boards.

Answer 4

Step ins are better if you're just learning.  They are much easier to get in and out of.  I learned in step  ins.

Strap ins give you much more control and a better foot to board feel.  I now only use strap ins.

Depending on how fast your son learns and how agile he is, step ins could last for two years tops if he goes snowboarding often.  Otherwise you can start him off with strap ins.  The boardshop should be able to recommend some good beginner ones.

Answer 5

For someone just learning, either would be fine.

Strap bindings are easily avaliable but make sure you don't buy cheap plastic ones - they don't last. I see a kid every year with broken buckles or hardware. A great basic binding is the Ride EX.

Since step-in bindings haven't been made for several years, I would assume that you are looking at used equipment which is fine. Both my 12 and 14 year old ride using step in boots and binding I bought used and they love them. My 14 year old has just passed the "expert" / level 6 snowboard class and will be teaching this year - he is a great rider. So don't believe all the negative comments about step-ins.

The best kind are those with a soft boot and a tilt up "high back" binding. These were the last kind of step-ins ever made and they are actually quite good. If the binding don't have a "high back", the boot has a hard back to replace it - these are not that good.

There are several kinds:

SIS (bar each side of boot, release lever on binding - these are the best, you can even step in with snow on the binding)

Switch (bar on one side, flat lever on other - just OK)

Clickers (heel / toe catch - light but VERY hard to use)

Good Luck

Answer 6

if its his own gear, get stape bindings not clickers. if renting get clickers

Answer 7

well step-ins are called clickers they are faster to take your foot in and out of  but the boot that you have to wear is a little more stiff and a little more uncomfortable because their is no back to the binding like a traditonal strap-in binding so the boot has to make up for the back but i dont mind them but its up to his pref

strap in are good to they are ezier to get your foot in and out of while clickers take some skill (such as you have to stand up on your board and stomp it in to the binding )  but as for price theres expensive and cheap for both

hope i help